* And So They Say: Francis Eshler; “I don’t think I’m ever going to be a grandfather. My daughter, Darlene, just had another girl.” Jerry Jackson (after the big rain): “Well, this isn’t a very good day to put up hay, but it’s sure a fine day to fix fences. Dave Oyer: “If people keep putting out the propaganda about business places closing, Stockton will soon be known as ‘This is the town that was.’” * The worst storm to visit the area since at least as far back as 1951 had arrived unexpectedly on Thursday night. The cloudburst had a rain accumulation of over five inches at the power plant. The forces of the wind had driven the rain into houses from the north and under doors, windows, and seemingly just through the walls. Many basements were flooded with windows broken by hail or holes knocked in the roofs from trees falling. Corn, row crops, and gardens suffered with the combination of rain, hail, and wind. Bow Creek was particularly hard hit. Falling branches fell on power lines in many places, causing several areas to be without electricity. Many cars had been pulled out after miring down on the highway detour, but no injuries were reported. The birds were not so lucky, and hundreds lost their lives. People reported picking up from 30 to 50 in their yards the next day, with one family finding 75 birds.

Headliners at the Rooks County Free Fair were Jamey Johnson and Heidi Newfield. Brian Waggoner, a Plainville High School graduate and a Cryptologic Technician (Networks) 1st Class office in the U.S.

A fair showing of oil was struck at the Minx Well. This well is located a few miles south of Zurich and on the Minx & Son Ranch. The depth of the hole at the strike was 3,080 feet, and pay sand was not touched, but the find was made at a limestone formation. It is carefully estimated the flow is about ten barrels. The Minx well is drilled by Findeiss & Fletcher and was spudded in about the first of the year. This is the first showing of oil to be found in Rooks County, but while the strike is light, it will speed up the interest of outside oil concerns and give the county, in general, a feeling that the black gold abounds underneath.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States had announced that Alva Beck of Stockton had achieved All-American status as a Post Commander. Grand Champions of the 2009 4-H Style Review were Miranda Wildeman, Cecelia Beck, Erin Shaw, Haven Hamilton, Mark Riley, Amanda Diaz, Shaina Ott, and Chance Miller.

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* And So They Say: Rhada Hutton: “We’re getting awfully tired of those rumors that Quenzer’s is going to close out.” Nellie Kern: “My daughter sent me a package of candy from Japan, but it doesn’t taste much like candy to me.” Ruby Odle: “When it finally got to be summer, it really got to be summer.” City manager Harper: “If the sprayer doesn’t get the mosquitoes and flies, I suppose I’ll have to go around town with a fly swatter.” Glenn Buss: “It’s hotter in Nebraska than it is in Kansas.”

The owners and managers of the swimming pools in Stockton and Phillipsburg are formulating plans for the purpose of holding a water tournament between the two counties. We have had ball tournaments, golf tournaments, and various other kinds of tournaments, but nothing like a water tournament, and this is what these pool owners want to do. The meet will consist of nine subjects: fifty- foot dash, 75-foot dash, 100-foot dash, 200-foot dash, underwater swim for distance, plunge for distance, 75-foot backhanded stroke swim, fancy diving, and diving for pennies. The one getting the pennies from the bottom of the pool in the shortest time shall be declared the winner. Each team shall be limited only to members who live and reside in their respective cities. The contest is not limited to age and shall include only men and boys, and all to compete together in one class. The meet will be decided by a number of points made by members of each team. The team making the greatest number of points shall be declared the winner. The following system shall be used for scoring: first place in any event shall count five points; second place three points; and third place one point. Each team shall be limited to not more than three entries in each event. Each county is figuring on holding a local meet before the tournament to select contestants. The tryout for Rooks will probably be held in the latter days of July. It might be well for those interested to get in touch with the manager of the Stockton Pool for a definite date to know the rules of the tournament. Such a tournament has a good purpose, which will stimulate more interest in swimming.

Barb Poore and Peter Bellerive began their duties as USD No. 271 Board of Education members at the July monthly meeting.

* And So They Say: Gil Thyfault: “Nothing exciting has happened to me in a long time, except that I caught a fish Sunday.” Chet LeSage: “I saw a mosquito flying down Main Street wearing a pair of bifocals. I don’t know who they belong to.” Leta Bouchey: “Maybe the farmers will get smart next year and plant rice.” Gerald Colburn: “Our plane trip to and from England was no rougher than a ride down Main Street in a car at any time.”

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